Mattel, the company behind Barbie, has launched its first ever doll with Down Syndrome.

As part of the company's diverse 2023 Barbie Fashionistas Line, Mattel worked the National Down Syndrome Society the accurately and respectfully depict the condition. The new doll's face and body are designed to be “more illustrative of a woman with Down Syndrome," with slightly slanted eyes, a shorter frame, and a longer torso. It also features a single line on its palms, a less known but common trait of Down Syndrome.

“Our goal is to enable all children to see themselves in Barbie, while also encouraging children to play with dolls who do not look like themselves,” Lisa McKnight, Executive Vice President of Mattel, said in a statement. "Doll play outside of a child’s own lived experience can teach understanding and build a greater sense of empathy. ... We are proud to introduce a Barbie doll with Down syndrome to better reflect the world around us and further our commitment to celebrating inclusion through play."

The CDC defines Down Syndrome as a genetic disorder that causes a person to be born with an extra 21st chromosome. About 6,000 babies every year are born with the condition, according to the agency.

The doll wears a pink necklace with three arrows, representing the 21st chromosomes. Its blue and yellow butterfly dress also has patterns associated with Down Syndrome awareness, and it wears ankle foot orthotics with its pink sneakers, which many whom have the condition use for support.

“This means so much for our community, who for the first time, can play with a Barbie doll that looks like them,” NDSS president and CEO Kandi Pickard said. “This Barbie serves as a reminder that we should never underestimate the power of representation. It is a huge step forward for inclusion and a moment that we are celebrating.”